The
CSHSE National Standards are based on national research of human
service educational programs that are grounded in relationship with
service providers in their communities. In addition, the Standards
have been confirmed through external research (see the Community
Support Skill Standards) and the continuing emergence of the human
services field since the early 1970s. Over the years, the language
of the Standards has been updated and clarified based on the self-studies
and input from CSHSE Members.

Organization of Standards

The Standards are organized in two sections, Part I: General Program
Characteristics (Standards 1 -10) and Part II: Curriculum. Each
standard is organized as follows:

A general statement developing the context and rationale for
the standard

The standard

The specifications stating criteria used for evaluating program
compliance to the standards. They reflect the minimum acceptable
level of compliance.

The Standards for each level of degree accredited by the Council
are can be obtained by clicking on the following links:

The
Specifications for each higher level of education incorporates the
knowledge, theory, skills, and attitude/values content specified
for the preceding level(s). For example, all associate degree level
Specifications have been integrated with the baccalaureate level
specifications. The purpose of the curricular Specifications is
to delineate the minimal level of compliance at each educational
level for each Standard. Many programs have unique approaches that
emphasize particular theories or disciplinary approaches, reflecting
the interdisciplinary nature of the field of human services. It
is not the intent of the Standards to obliterate this uniqueness,
but rather to insure the quality, continuity, and relevance of human
service programs by assuring a commonality of content and practice
in addition to the unique aspects of accredited programs. It is
the responsibility of each Program to demonstrate where in their
program each of the curricular standards is met and how they assess
student learning in relationship to Standards.

Programs seeking accreditation, report and renewal, or reaccreditation
should refer to the current Member Handbook: Accreditation and Self-Study
Guide to assure compliance of their self-study with current Council
policies and procedures. You can obtain a copy of the current handbook
by going to [FORMS] or clicking
here.